ESP LTD TA-204 Frx Bass in Black Satin
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- SKU
- LTA204FRXBLKS
- Color
- Black
. Description
Sound & Tone
The 35" scale and bolt-on maple neck give this bass a tight, well-defined low end with strong sustain, keeping the lowest notes clear rather than muddy. Passive ESP Designed SB-4 pickups at neck and bridge, run through Volume/Balance/Tone, deliver a focused, articulate voice that can be blended from rounder neck-position weight to a more cutting bridge attack, while the basswood body keeps the overall character direct and midrange-forward. The thin U neck, 24 extra-jumbo frets and flatter 400mm radius suit fast picking and aggressive right-hand work, making it a natural fit for thrash, metal and hard rock where the bass needs to punch through a dense guitar mix.
ESP LTD Tom Araya TA-204 FRX Electric Bass Black Satin
The TA-204 FRX delivers a thin, fast neck profile and a 35" extended scale engineered to capture aggressive, articulate bass lines with exceptional clarity and sustain. This signature model channels serious low-end intensity, combining a lightweight basswood body with robust hardware and passive electronics for transparent, uncolored signal path. The black satin finish and pentagram inlays complete a studio-ready aesthetic.
Playability & Recording Response
A thin U neck contour with 24 extra-jumbo frets and 400mm fingerboard radius enable precise intonation and fast position shifts across the entire 35" scale. The 40mm nut width and roasted jatoba fingerboard provide the stability needed for consistent tracking takes and aggressive technique in the session environment.
Tone & Tracking Character
ESP Designed SB-4 pickups (SB-4N at neck, SB-4B at bridge) paired with passive Volume/Balance/Tone controls deliver focused, articulate low-end separation that sits cleanly in dense mixes without digital intervention. The LTD BB-604 bridge and black hardware ensure solid intonation stability and direct tonal transfer through the bolt-on construction for reliable multi-take tracking.
Key Features
- Bolt-on basswood body with black satin finish and Slayer pentagram inlays
- Roasted jatoba fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets
- Maple neck with thin U contour and 400mm fingerboard radius
- 35" extended scale for extended range and tonal clarity
- 40mm molded nut width
- ESP Designed SB-4N neck pickup and SB-4B bridge pickup
- Passive electronics with Volume/Balance/Tone layout
- LTD BB-604 bridge with black hardware
- LTD tuners with black hardware
- Factory-strung with D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105)
- Compatible with FRX bass form-fit case (sold separately)
Built for producers and engineers tracking bass that demands speed, sustain, and uncompromising low-end definition, the TA-204 FRX executes its design philosophy without compromise.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Condition | New |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
Reviews
This guitar ships without a case
Add the matching hard caseESP CFRXBASSFF Form-Fit Hardshell Case for FRX Bass (Case Only)
20% off with this guitar: $231.20 $289.00
It ships inside the same box — and your guitar arrives protected.
Specifications
| Body Style | Modern Bass |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 35" Scale |
| Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Jatoba |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Pickups | P/J |
| Strings | 4 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Made In | Indonesia |
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this bass built for?
The TA-204-FRX is designed for intermediate to professional players. Its thin, fast neck and 35-inch extended scale reward precision and technique, making it ideal for experienced players tackling complex metal and thrash parts.
What genres and tunings does this bass handle best?
This bass excels in metal, thrash metal, hard rock, and drop-tuning applications. The 35-inch extended scale and focused passive pickups deliver the articulate, sustained aggression these genres demand, though it is not optimized for jazz, folk, or country styles.
What comes with the bass and how is it strung?
The TA-204-FRX arrives factory-strung with D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105) and includes all hardware. The roasted jatoba fingerboard and 40mm molded nut are set up for immediate playability.
How do the passive pickups and electronics compare to active systems?
The ESP-designed SB-4 passive pickups (neck and bridge) deliver uncolored, articulate tone without the noise or battery dependency of active electronics. This straightforward approach prioritizes natural low-end aggression and clarity in live and studio contexts.
How does the 35-inch scale affect playability and tone?
The extended 35-inch scale provides tighter string tension for sustained tones and precise intonation, especially valuable in drop tunings. Combined with the thin U-contour neck and 400mm fingerboard radius, it enables fast position shifts without sacrificing stability or comfort.
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